Monday, April 15, 2013

Parachinar

Parachinar is the capital of Kurram Agency, and the largest city of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan. 



The name Parachinar comes from a big Chinar tree (Maple tree) at a place. A tribe known as the Para Chamkani, used to convene their meetings under this Chinar tree to resolve their social matters. So that's how this city named as Parachinar. The old name of Parachinar is Tutki, when Kurram was a part of Afghanistan. The inhabitants of Tutki are called Tutkiwal, the Afghan people call it Tutki


Parachinar is situated on a neck of Pakistani territory south of Peshawar, that juts into Paktia Province of Afghanistan. It is the closest point in Pakistan to Kabul and borders on the Tora Bora region of Afghanistan.
Parachinar has a moderate humid subtropical climate  with much higher rainfall than most areas of Pakistan  During the winter, snowfall is common, and frosts occur on most mornings. Snow closes the Peiwar Pass, located on the Paktia border just over 20 km west of Parachinar, for up to five months per year.


The population consisted of largely pashto speaking Syed, Turi, Bangash, Orakzai, Mangal, Para Tsamkani, Zazai, Malekhel, Ghilzai, Muqbil, Hazara, Khoshi and as well as a Sikh community. Turi, Bangash, Orakzai, Zazai, Mangal and Para Tsamkani are the major tribes in Parachinar.


The principal mountain range in the agency is the Koh-e-Safaid or Spinghar with highest peak of Sikaram Sar 4,728 meters height which forms a natural boundary and water shed with Afghanistan. It remains covered with snow through out the years. 


South of the Peiwar Kotal the hills of the Mandher range rise gradually till they drop the south–west corner of the plateau at Kharlachi, the point where Kurram River enters the valley. Parachinar is a big market for the people of surrounding areas. It is also famous for timber and dry fruits. 

Parachinar Airport is located at about a 25 minute drive from the center of Parachinar, FATA Pakistan. It is the only airport in FATA that is served by any passenger airline

Zeran Dam
Zeran dam is located to the north-east of Prachinar. It is also famous for its scenic beauty. This reservoir served water for Parachinar town before the construction of Malana dam, still the dam contributes much water to a large part of the town Parachinar.

Malana Dam 
Malana Dam is located in the north of Parachinar town. Most of the population of Parachinar town depend on this reservoir.It is famous picnic resort .A guest house is built here.

Friday, April 5, 2013

Khalti Lake (Ghizer District- Gilgit ,Baltistan)

Khalti Lake is located in District Ghizer, Tehsil Punial. Ghizer District is the westernmost part of the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. There are so many villages lush green and very pleasant places in Ghizer District. The most spectacular view and biggest Lake is  Khalti lake which  is very famous for trout fishes.It is one of the four lakes of Ghizar District.





Khalti lake is located about 110 KM from Gilgit towards Shandoor its a lake called . In winter it get extreme cold and the lake get frozen .




Khalti Lake is merely an extension of the Shandur river. The water is calm. It takes over It is 20-30 minutes drive from Gupis.


Phander Lake (Gilgit- Baltistan)

Phander Valley is in Ghizer District of the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. It is one of the most scenic valleys with easy access both from Gilgit and Chitral. It is located  163 km from Gilgit city and 61 kilometers (38 miles) from the valley of Gupis.  It is a  Small villages which lies on the way to Shandur pass.from Gupis..
 


Phander Valley is one of  the most beautiful valley in Pakistan..It offers spectacular scenic view.. It is very lush green and very pleasant place. A twisting road passes through lush green fields and forests with a view of flowing river and icy peaks  lead  to this charming valley. From springs of crystal clear waters to lakes and rivers of deep blue water, there are all colors of nature’s beauty in Phandar Valley. Peaceful deep blue waters of River Ghizer and surrounding lush green and golden fields are breathtaking. It takes 5 to 6 hours from Gilgit to reach Phander valley





There is a lake at the eastern end of the valley  named Phander Lake. Phander Lake is one of the most famous tourist spots in the entire region. . The  Phandar Lake gives  masmerizing views. The deep blue of  Phander lake offers a magnificent view. It is  very famous for trout fish . Area of Phandar Lake is about 3 kilometers. To reach Phander Lake one has to cross Phander valley from the river to the right and climbs a hill. 


The people of this valley are simple,hard working and very hospital. Best season to visit  Phandar valley is between June and July  Days stays fair and warm and nights are a little cold.